DVA Claims in 2026: The Real Numbers

DVA publishes claims processing data monthly. The headlines look alarming: 95,650 claims on hand as of February 2026 and a 349-day average for MRCA initial liability. But the headline numbers don’t tell the full story.

The headline numbers

• 95,650 total claims on hand (Feb 2026). Up from 82,645 in June 2025 and 65,231 in June 2022.
• 29,989 claims are unallocated. 65,661 are being actively processed. 69% are with a delegate, up from 33% in June 2022.
• 101,157 new claims received in FY 2024–25. DVA made 103,000 determinations. Processing slightly more than receiving, but the backlog persists.
• 4.55 average conditions per claim (June 2025), up from 2.6 in May 2022.

What the processing times actually mean

If you’re lodging today, expect 4–6 months for a straightforward MRCA liability decision. Multi-condition or complex evidence claims will take longer.

Why claims keep growing

• The Royal Commission increased awareness. More veterans know they can claim.
• Claims are more complex. Multi-condition claims take more delegate effort.
• The VETS Act deadline. VEA and DRCA veterans are rushing to lodge before 1 July 2026.

The staffing concern

DVA’s claims processing workforce grew from 544 FTE in June 2022 to 973 FTE in June 2025. But by February 2026, staffing dropped to 867 FTE — a loss of over 100 staff in eight months. If this continues while volumes remain high, processing times will stall or worsen.

What you can do to speed up your claim

• Lodge through MyService. From 31 March 2025, it’s DVA’s primary channel. Claims with all information are allocated faster.
• Submit complete claims. Every request for additional information adds weeks. A decision-ready claim moves faster.
• Claim all conditions at once. One multi-condition claim is faster than five sequential claims.
• Don’t pay for something you can get for free. Over 80% of MRCA claims are accepted. Free ESO advocates are available. Professional advocacy adds value for complex, multi-condition cases.

Frequently asked questions

Is DVA getting faster or slower?

Both. New claims are faster (127 days vs 300+ during the backlog crisis). But total claims on hand keep growing and legacy claims drag the headline average higher.

Should I wait until processing times improve?

No. Processing time is measured from lodgement. The earlier you lodge, the sooner your clock starts. Waiting just pushes your payment further into the future.

Does lodging more conditions slow my claim?

It adds complexity, but the alternative (sequential individual claims) is worse overall. One multi-condition claim produces a better PI outcome.

Where does DVA publish this data?

DVA publishes monthly data at dva.gov.au/claim-processing, including claims on hand, determinations, average processing times, and staffing numbers.